Life Care Center of Sierra Vista

When you hear the words «nursing home» or «assisted living home,» most people cringe… Not the case here!
(Note: I am purposely avoiding using names or genders to protect my family member and others who are staying at this facility. I will be using the words «grandparent» and «their» in place of gender-​specific terminology.)
I arrived at this facility not quite sure what to expect… But, I certainly wasn’t expecting to find such a wonderful place. Starting at the front desk, all visitors must sign in. I was greeted very warmly, and promptly by the staff. The receptionist let us know that they keep the front door locked and that we would need a key code to get out (just in case she was away from her desk where she could open the doors by pushing a button.) This is understandable when you consider that they have residents with dementia. You don’t want them accidently wandering out the front door and getting lost or walking into the street.
The front lobby doesn’t have the appearance or feel of a clinic, but is more like a living room or den of a friend’s home. It gave us a place to discuss with our family how our grandparent was doing without fearing being overheard or interrupted. Very nice.
When we went to see our family member, they were in the dining room. This room was divided into two sections: the «can-​feed-​themselves» section, and the «needs-​help-​being-​fed» section. It was decorated in subdued tones of creams, maroons, and browns. A nice color combination that was relaxing and comfortable at the same time. Easy on the eyes and palate.
The residents have the choice of either eating in the dining room, or having their food brought to their room. The facility keeps track of who has ordered their food to ensure that all of the residents are getting their three square meals a day. They have a choice of juice, water, or coffee with each meal. And, for dinner, at least, they have two meal options that they can choose between. We were offered something to drink, and the option to eat with our grandparent.
The hallways, though sometimes busy with residents and staff, are straight and clean. This makes it easier for those in wheelchairs to maneuver around. The staff greet the residents by name and with a smile. I was taken aback when a staff member greeted my grandparent by name, even though they’d only been there for only three or four days. I was impressed.
The room my grandparent was in was made for two people. It was divided by a curtain which could be drawn to block the view of your roommate. It was well lit, and had a temperature control specifically for just their room. The window looked out into a little park/​sitting area outside.
At dinner time, my grandparent decided to go to the dining room to eat. After laying in bed all day, your clothes are rumpled, and your hair is a MESS! The young man assigned to help their room was WONDERFUL! He moved my grandparent into their wheelchair (which I physically couldn’t do.) Then, he straightened the dressing gown. Went to the sink and returned with a comb. He combed my grandparent’s hair until it was neat and tidy with no bulges or tangles. THEN, he went and found the slippers. He took the time to put them on my grandparent’s feet! I was so greatful that he took such time to make my grandparent presentable. It really is the small things in life that mean so much!
Overall, the staff were very kind, and, most importantly, RESPECTFUL of the residents. For their residents, they hold different activities (like BINGO or ice cream socials). They really try not to invade their privacy, and not to step on their pride. Being elderly, you sometimes don’t have the ability to take care of yourself. Simply getting out of bed to go to the bathroom is impossible without help. But, the staff members are very diligent in trying to keep the residents from feeling degraded. They are treated like valuable human beings. I greatly appreciate that! I love my grandparent, and want nothing less for them!